St. Joseph’s College, Pilathara was established in 2005 by most Rev. Dr. Varghese Chakkalakkal, the then Bishop of Diocese of Kannur, with a vision to provide quality education to the youth of Northern Kerala, in line with New Education Policy.

     The college’s first principal was Dr. E.J. Thomas S.J., a distinguished Jesuit scholar. Rev. Fr. Clarence Paliath initially served as the manager and later as the principal. He was succeeded by Dr. T. A. John, followed byDr K.C.Muraleedharan. Mr George Kutty was the first vice-principal ,followed by Dr. T. A. John, Fr. Johnson Simethy and Fr . Shiju Peter. Rev. Fr. Antony Pious served as the financial administrator. The current President of the governing body is Rt.Rev.Dr. Alex Vadakkumthala. The Present manager of the college is Rev.Fr.Rajan Fausto ,the Assistant manager is Rev. Fr. Melvin Devassy and, the Principal is Dr. Denny Philip, an esteemed academician, Dr. Subhash John, Head of the Department of Malayalam as the Vice-Principal.

     The college that had a humble beginning, presently boasts of three imposing blocks namely Fr Kaironi, Fr. Zucol and Fr. Taffarel.In the course of time, new courses such as BBA, BCA, BSc. Mathematics, BSc Psychology, BA English, MCom, MSW and MA English were introduced. In 2022, MSc Mathematics was also started.

      The student strength of the college crossed 1200 taking up teaching faculty strength to 63 and Non-teaching staff number to 10. There are 9 Ph.D holders, 7 of faculty have M.Phil and 22 of the teachers have in NET qualification. The members of the faculty have contributed extensively to literature in their respective fields. 6 books have been published by the teachers.